Neurochemistry & Addiction *NEW

You will appreciate the historical context in which psychoactive drugs have been discovered, used, abused, taxed and regulated. Students will also learn how psychoactive drugs are classified, how they affect people and recognize how individuals move from abuse to addiction.

This course is one of four courses based on the book Uppers, Downers & All Arounders, 8th Ed. The text for this course provides an in depth look at psychoactive drugs, their classification, history of use and neurochemical and physiological impact on the human body. It explains at the cellular level how individuals become addicted to psychoactive drugs and compulsive behaviors, as well as how individuals may be predisposed to addiction because of their genetic makeup. Included is a history of how various drugs came to be used, and how governments, ruling classes and industry have sought to both benefit from, and regulate drug use among the populace